“Candlelight Christmas in the Harbor”

The holiday fun begins on Thursday, December 6th at 8pm at Skansie Brothers Park with Hark the Harbor! Join in community caroling at 7:30pm with Sharon Stearnes while awaiting the exciting arrival of the Argosy Christmas Ship and a holiday performance by the Federal Way Harmony Kings.

The waterfront merchants are ready to welcome you in with great holiday specials, treats, and extended shopping hours Friday, December 7th through Sunday, December 9th! For the second year, shoppers and visitors will have a chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award in the “Deck the Harbor” decorating contest, featuring festive window and storefront displays throughout the waterfront district highlighting the Candlelight Christmas theme.

New this year is holiday scavenger hunt along the waterfront, “Where’s Santa’s Cookie Plate?” Santa has lost his cookie plate and if you find it in one of your favorite stores or eating establishments that weekend, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $500 waterfront holiday shopping spree! Cookie plates for each participating business are being provided by Java & Clay Café.

The ever popular Holiday Hayrides with Santa, provided by Miracle Ranch, return again from 4:30pm – 7:30pm on both Friday, December 7th and Saturday, December 8th. Boarding takes place on Judson Street in front of Timberland Bank, who will be providing a warm place to wait and holiday refreshments! Shoppers will also enjoy the sounds of the holidays with music throughout the weekend.

In the spirit of giving, there are a number of ways you can reach out to the less fortunate during the holiday season. Fournier Insurance Solutions, Windermere Real Estate and Heidi’s Sweet Shop are drop off points for Toys for Tots, and you can donate to the Fish Food Bank at Full Moon Art Gallery (for every donation you can enter to win an original painting). The Gig Harbor Girl Scouts will be collecting warm coats at the December 6th Hark the Harbor in Skansie Park. Bring your gently used or new coats to be donated to the Wishing Well Foundation for foster children. The Waterfront Association will also be placing special collection boxes in a number of locations along the waterfront where you can drop a holiday card to be delivered to our area’s seniors.

Shop waterfront district businesses and make this year’s holiday gift buying a fun, family experience to remember by enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes of Christmas in Gig Harbor!

Be sure to like “Candlelight Christmas in the Harbor” on Facebook to get event updates, or go to www.gigharborwaterfront.org for more information. Candlelight Christmas in the Harbor is sponsored by the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association (GHHWA).